Stories of
American Heroes -
Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado

Robert Goldthwaite Carter

TAPS

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night.

Arlington National Cemetery
1-106-A

Reverse

BORN:April 18, 1847 at Bridgton, ME

Entered Service in the US
Army from Bradford, MA

Earned
The Medal of Honor During the Indian Campaigns For heroism on
October 10, 1871 at Brazos River, TX

DIED:January
04, 1936 at the age of 88

Lieutenant
Robert G. Carter was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in
the engagement at Brazos River, Texas, on October 10, 1871, that
subsequently came to be called "The Battle of Blanco
Canyon." On October 9 a cavalry column in pursuit of hostile
Indians reached the White River and Blanco Canyon. Late that
evening Quanah Parker and a Comanche force stampeded through the
cavalry camp, driving off sixty-six horses. The following morning
a detachment of troopers set off down the canyon chasing a small
group of Indians who were driving several horses. Topping a hill
in the ragged edge of the canyon, the soldiers were confronted
with a much larger party of Indians waiting in ambush. The right
side of the cavalry line retreated in confusion, but Lt. Robert
Goldthwaite Carter and five men held off the Comanche with a rapid
fire until other troops came to the rescue. Later in the battle
while charging Indian warriors and dodging their heavy fire,
Lieutenant Carter's leg was slammed into a rock by his mount, an
injury so serious his boot had to be cut off. In great pain,
Lieutenant Carter continued his defense, and a subsequent six-day,
100 mile pursuit of the fleeing Indians.